pound1
n.
-
(abbrev.: lb)
a unit of weight equal to 16 oz avoirdupois (0.4536 kg), or 12 oz troy (0.3732 kg).
-
(also pound sterling)
(pl. pounds sterling)
the basic monetary unit of the UK, equal to 100 pence. ▸another term for punt4.
▸the basic monetary unit of several Middle Eastern countries, equal to 100 piastres.
▸the basic monetary unit of Cyprus, equal to 100 cents.
▸a monetary unit of the Sudan, equal to one tenth of a dinar.
Phrase
- one's pound of flesh
something to which one is strictly entitled, but which it is ruthless or inhuman to demand.
[with allusion to Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice.]
Etymology
OE pund, of Gmc origin, from L. (libra) pondo, denoting a Roman ‘pound weight’ of 12 ounces.